Couples Counselling:
Frequently asked questions
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1. What is couples counselling?
Couples counselling is a space for both partners to explore their relationship together. It can help you improve communication, understand repeating patterns, and strengthen your connection.
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2. Do we have to be in crisis to come for counselling?
Not at all. Many couples come to counselling to maintain a healthy relationship, prepare for changes, or simply understand each other better. It’s a space to reconnect, not just to repair.
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3. Do we meet together or separately?
We usually begin with joint sessions. Each of you will complete a personal life history form before we start. I only offer individual sessions if the work requires it.
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4. How long are the sessions, and how often do we meet?
Couples sessions are typically between 1 hour and 1.5 hours. We might meet weekly or fortnightly depending on what’s needed and what’s affordable for you.
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5. What’s your style of working?
My work is interactive and relational. I may share reflections during sessions and use approaches like Imago therapy to help you both take responsibility for your own feelings and communicate with clarity and compassion. You may be given tasks or reflective exercises to do between sessions.
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6. What if one of us is unsure about coming to therapy?
That’s quite common. We can explore those feelings together in the session. Counselling isn’t about taking sides — it’s about understanding and supporting the relationship itself.
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7. Is this suitable if we’ve had person-centred therapy before?
My style is more active than traditional person-centred counselling. I may offer reflections and use structured techniques. Some people find this refreshing; others may need time to adjust — I’ll always work at your pace.
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8. How much does it cost?
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Couples counselling starts at £95.00 for an hour appointment, prices go up for longer appointments or evening appointments.
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9. Do you offer concessions?
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I offer a limited number of concessionary spaces for both individuals and couples, designed to support access to therapy during times of financial difficulty.
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Concessions may be available on hour-long sessions only (not 1.5-hour sessions).
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Up to 8 sessions at a reduced rate.
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Concessionary sessions for couples are also limited to daytime only.
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The work remains focused and structured, with regular review points.
If you feel a concession would help you access therapy, please get in touch to discuss current availability.
What to expect in Couples Counselling.
Entering couples counselling can feel both hopeful and uncertain. Here’s a little guide to what you can expect when working with me:
Starting Out
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Before our first session, each partner will complete a personal life history form. This helps me understand your background, relationship history, and key themes to focus on.
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Our initial sessions are primarily joint sessions, but if the need arises, I may suggest individual sessions to support specific work.
Session Length & Frequency
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Sessions typically last between 1 hour and 1.5 hours, depending on your needs and availability.
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We usually meet weekly or fortnightly, but this can be adjusted as the work progresses.
My Approach
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I draw on an Integrative style, incorporating reflections within the session to help highlight relationship patterns and deepen understanding.
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I use elements of Imago therapy, encouraging partners to take responsibility for their own feelings and experiences, often through practicing “I” language to foster clearer, more compassionate communication.
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You can expect some tasks or reflective exercises — these are not “homework” in the traditional sense, but tools to bring more awareness and intention into your relationship outside of sessions.
What This Isn’t
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This work is not about assigning blame or “fixing” one person — it’s about exploring your relationship as a whole with curiosity and kindness.
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For those used to person-centred therapy, this style might feel more interactive or directive at times, as I share my reflections openly to support your growth.
Your Commitment
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Growth in couples counselling happens through openness, honesty, and a willingness to explore difficult emotions and patterns together.
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Taking personal responsibility and practicing new ways of communicating between sessions can really deepen the work.